THE PROBLEM- Perfume is a human allergen, one of the first five in the world. It seriously injures people, and both domestic and wild animals.- One person out of three, when exposed to perfumed products, shows health problems: respiratory disorders, mucosal symptoms, skin problems, migraine headaches, neurological problems, cognitive troubles, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular problems, immune system problems, musculoskeletal problems and other health problems.- Twenty-seven percent of people affected by asthma get worse, if exposed to perfumed substances.- Hormonal disorders from endocrine interferences and cancers are long-term risks.“This is an epidemic”.According to Professor Anne Steinemann, an internationally recognized scientist, a world expert on environmental pollutants, air quality, and health effects, " Fragranced products are creating health problems - everyone is getting sick from these products", she said. "Some people have immediate, severe and disabling health effects. But the effect can be very subtle and insidious and people may not realise they're being affected until it's too late."

CAUSESWhile perfumes and fragrances have been composed by hundreds of chemical mixture, generally coming from petrol, for over 100 years, the consciousness of the risks has just recently appeared. So for the 80% of them, the consequences of their use on human health haven’t been tested yet.Hidden behind the generic words “perfume”, “fragrance”, there are toxic and cancerogenic mixtures and endocrine interfering with the functioning of the human endocrine system. Nevertheless industries denies the access to the composition of the perfumed products: in this way the consciousness of people about their effects on health and environment is seriously limited.

Promoting information campaigns explaining that “cleaning” has no smell and that “scented” isn't a sign of health and hygiene. In order to prevent the bad effects on health of fragrant substance, both indoor and outdoor, we have to inform through TV, dépliants, posters, brochures to give out in schools, work places, medical and social facilities.

Formulating a legislative measure compelling industries to produce also fragrance-free products. To designate a control organization in order to grant the certification for the articles respecting new standards as happened in USA where EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) grants the certification (label) fragrance free.

Allocating funds for a public research, independent from perfume industries with the aim of evaluating the allergic reactions caused by the contact with perfumed substances and the real risk of these for human health. To investigate breathing, ocular, neurological, systemic effects and also on sensory mechanisms and therefore establish environmental studies with the aim of valuing the persistence of these perfumed substances in streams, their biodegradability and their accumulation in wild life, in the air and in the ground.

Proposing an amendment “concerning the intensity of the aromatic notes and the persistence of the odorous volatile substances” in the regulations of the industrial perfume and cosmetic products formulation “so that the instructions given by the International Fragrance Association can be followed”. The International Fragrance Association advises that "scented products only be used in an amount undetectable at an arm's length distance".